Baked Crack Chicken Cheese Bacon (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken and Seasoning

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 to 8 ounces each)
02 - ½ teaspoon kosher salt
03 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

04 - 1 cup chopped onion
05 - 1 tablespoon minced garlic

→ Sauce

06 - ½ cup cream of chicken soup
07 - 6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
08 - 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (dry mix)
09 - ¼ cup sour cream

→ Cheese and Bacon Toppings

10 - 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided (½ cup and 1 cup)
11 - ¾ cup cooked and chopped bacon, divided (½ cup and ¼ cup)
12 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
13 - 2 tablespoons chopped green onion (optional garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9x13 casserole dish with cooking spray.
02 - Place chicken breasts in an even layer in the prepared dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper evenly. Set aside.
03 - In a medium skillet, sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat until translucent and softened. This takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Add cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese melts and combines with the other ingredients.
05 - Turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
06 - Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast, ensuring full coverage. Top with ½ cup of the cooked and chopped bacon pieces.
07 - Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and the Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the chicken.
08 - Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
09 - Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of bacon on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10 - Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

# Notes:

01 - Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F for proper doneness.